"Fighting against the things that exist way before the start of mankind on our world? Have you truly lost your mind?" The Sea God disdained.

"Didn't I say she is dreaming about her own degenerate plans? She will be the end for all of us." Sun God added.

Astraea wanted to blast the two to bits, but she controlled herself and tried to reason with them.

"Just think about it. The boy has created near-miracle-level spells as a transcendent and a fourth-ranker. That dwaven runesmith god in the primordial age was an impressive individual despite having a fraction of the talent Damian has. His greatest power is in his companions. As a true divinity, Damian can craft weapons for us that will be unmatched even against the tribunal."

The Sun God's silhouette shook his head, "Don't listen to her. If we let Landbreaker live, the tribunal will notice the presence of an additional god. We will all be long dead or imprisoned before Damian even gets a chance to ascend. Even if the boy is a once-in-a-generation talent, he just became a minor god; it would take centuries for him to ascend again. Time in which we are highly vulnerable unless we deal with Landbreaker and his cronies right now."

Astraea glanced towards the Sea God's contemplating azure silhouette. After a few silent but heavy moments, he said,

"The Godless can't exist, or it will bring unwanted attention from others. Astraea's plan relies too much on faith in this individual whom we barely know. We can't lose our rules and civilizations in the blind chase of becoming masters. Besides, we can never truly erase the tribunal. We don't even know how many they have."

"Thank you. At least one of you still has common sense." The Sun God said passionately. "There is already that insane Maelkrath dead-set on creating chaos. We can't have more distractions. Let's use the boy's work to spread our influence and grow in numbers. We will think after centuries, when we are strong enough, whether to renegotiate with the tribunal, join them, or find some other method beneficial to us."

"But we should be clever about this." The Sea God replied. "Let's not kill these Godless beings; only capturing them will suffice. We kill them after Landbreaker returns to distract his mind and kill him. Of course, that is if he has achieved divinity. Otherwise, things barely matter."

"This Damian and his Sanctuary are going to be an issue. I can see it. How about we show them a glimpse of what happens when they try to break rules? We won't destroy all of Sanctuary, but they should be put in their place. The people need to see how powerful the devout are. It will work as great motivation for the later separation of the new Sanctuary land." Sun God suggested.

"Are you forgetting I swore to protect Sanctuary?" Astraea interjected, the anger in her, even though the silhouette was clear enough for the faces of two gods to grow serious.

"We have the majority." The Sun God replied. "Or are you proposing to leave this union?"

"You had your time to render judgment on your people. You have failed in controlling your minor god. His continuous resistance from us and challenge to our civilization needs to be addressed." The Sea God added. "If your people stand against us, they will pay the price as well."

"So you two just want to destroy?" Astraea lashed out, "What's your grand reason? That some Highswords decided to break the faith? That one person among the Sanctuary people decided to keep it a secret for some reason, so all should be punished? He has done nothing to oppose your followers. At least give them some way out!"

Awkward silence lingered between the three overseers of Earth-07. The silence alone was proof enough that the two gods before Astraea were not that sure of their reason for such large-scale violence. It was their fear and insecurities. They all could see that.

"We have destroyed for less." The Sun God gave voice to the thought that just crossed all three of their minds.

Sea God was quick to follow behind, "It is not our job to rule fairly, Astraea. Or have you forgotten who you truly are? A God! We are almighty! We make the laws. We do not play the moral games. Especially not when the existence of others threatens our people or our peace."

Astraea gritted her teeth and said nothing. She knew her own intentions were not noble. If she were the only god in this world, her actions would have been similar to those of her peers. No challenge to her authority would have been accepted.

'Damian is right. We are tyrants.'

There were worse things to be. Astraea had seen the evil of great powers firsthand in the age of the gods. Sun God and Sea God were relatively common ones. She, herself, had done things which, if she revealed to her people, they would rather choose to die than worship her.

She had grown too attached to this boy, she realized. Her plan was good, but it was long-term. She can't explain that to these two, even if she tried.

'Ah fuck it. I will try to salvage Damian or his descendants somehow and hope that they inherit the boy's crazy lineage. Maybe one day I can truly achieve my goal.'

———

Somewhere on the Mainland. Cornilius.

"Send him in," The High Priest of Red Temple ordered.

Cornilius had no time to waste. Finally, the time had come to come out of the shadows. His lord had permitted him to show his work to the Emperor and Empress. But before that, he had to prepare certain things.

Lucifer joined Cornilius in the lavish inner prayer square where dozens of metal and stone statues of their Lord resided.

The fair-skinned, low-born servant he had recruited over a century ago had proven his faith before him and their god again and again. Cornilius needed one last favor from the man.

Lucifer approached him from behind and knelt on the ground, his head respectfully lowered.

"Go, Lucifer. Gather all our angles. It is time for the holy crusade. Before tomorrow nightfall, the pagan Sanctuary shall know the wrath of Sun God."

"Yes, My lord!" The loyal devout replied with fire burning in his eyes.